For the opening concert of our 2019 festival, Surbiton Salons regulars Charles MacDougall (Tenor) and Robert Mingay-Smith (Piano) are joined by Gavin Cranmer-Moralee (Baritone) for a charming programme of duets about spring, romance, love, lust, and sleep by composers such as Mendelssohn, Vaughan Williams, Quilter, Howells and others.

Thursday 25th July

CONCERT PERFORMANCE - The Faithful Shepherdess

19:30

Ceruleo

John Fletchers The Faithful Shepherdess was premiered in 1608 and is the first example of Fletchers influential definition of tragicomedy. The tales heroine is Clorin, a virgin shepherdess and skilled healer who lives in solitude near the grave of her first love. During the course of the play various couples are thrown into emotional turmoil and Clorin heals and reconciles them.

In this programme, Ceruleo explore the themes of love and loss in The Faithful Shepherdess, interspersing extracts from Fletchers play with music from Monteverdis Seventh Book of Madrigals and his contemporaries, including Notari, Frescobaldi, Rossi and Luzzaschi.

Friday 26th July

TALK - Jane Austen: Manners are more important than laws: Edmund Burke

Liz Magennis, retired English teacher

The 18th Century was a period of momentous change; societal ideas, attitudes and behaviour made seismic shifts. In the midst of this, Jane Austen exploited the novel as a tool for stability. Join us for this enriching talk by English teacher and co-founder of the Surbiton Summer Salons with musical examples from Charles MacDougall and Robert Mingay-Smith.

CONCERT PERFORMANCE - As You Like It

19:30

Nicky Spence, tenor
Dylan Perez, piano

Internationally celebrated artists Nicky Spence (tenor) and Dylan Perez (piano) take us on a musical journey of Shakespeare Songs set by a diverse and eclectic range of composers from Purcell and Haydn, through to Britten, Quilter, Tippett and John Dankworth, via Bush and Schubert.

An 'Austen'-tatious event! You are invited to join Mrs Kitty Woodcock & Captain John Swayne as they dress for a stroll through Georgian Bath. This lively talk will feature two actors being dressed in Jane Austen era costumes generously donated by the West of England Costume Society (WECS). Youll have a chance to see these fine costumes up close whilst Christine provides interesting and enriching commentary on the fabrics, manufacturing process, and fashion trends of the time.

WORKSHOP - The Beat Goes On

14:30

Alua Nascimento

Stomping, clapping, slapping and everything in between this dynamic, high energy workshop will explore the use of the body as a percussive and vocal instrument.

The session will feature a range of rhythmic warm ups, Afro-Brazilian grooves and vocal / percussive routines. Led by ex-STOMP cast member Alua Nascimento (Beat Goes On), this will be an invigorating workshop suitable for all, regardless of prior musical experience.

CONCERT PERFORMANCE - The Naked Pianist

19:30

Emmanuel Vass

Drawing from his frequent ClassicFM broadcasts, and 3rd album, "The Naked Pianist", Emmanuel's concert programme weaves together popular classics by composers such as Bach, Debussy, Rachmaninov, and Chopin.

Sunday 28th July 2019

WORKSHOP - Taking the Sting out of Shakespeare

11:00

Anne-Marie Piazza, actress

Taking the sting out of Shakespeare. A lively exploration of Shakespeares Sonnets taking the verse off the page and bringing it fully to life. This session will incorporate techniques used in professional theatre with playful exercises to try and demystify and untangle the Bard. Come with a sense of fun and a willingness to put the text through its paces.

WORKSHOP - Jazz Choral Workshop

14:30

Emily Dickens, soprano
Michael Horner, jazz pianist

Explore the different vocal colours, techniques and instrumental sounds fundamental in creating exciting a cappella in this workshop with versatile soprano and musical director Emily Dickens. Learn how to underpin the ensemble as the bass, establish a groove, approach stylistic vocal percussion and harmonise with beautiful blend through interesting, challenging and fun arrangements. Together with Emily, participants will develop a piece of jazz for performance that evening with the jazz band at the closing concert of the Salons. Expect to walk away singing!

Our closing performance of the festival will be a light-hearted and up-beat exploration of jazz classics, featuring a performance of the piece of music devised during the afternoon workshop participants. Come and enjoy a relaxed evening of music to celebrate the end of the Surbiton Salons.